all photos: Katie Schuler and Priscilla De Ledesma.
I first heard of Matthew Hemerlein on July 12th this year when I got an email that went:
hello Svetlana
I was given your email from gavin and I live with steve and andrew from nouveau riche.
I`m a music teacher in DC and I will be having an EP release show at IOTA on July 14th.
here is what I sound like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joCKVotjHmM. i hope you like it and feel the need to list it on your wonderful blog.
thanks for your time,
Matthew Hemerlein
And even though I never click on any youtube links ever (you can ask Libby, it drives her insane) I clicked on his, had my mind adequately blown and within seconds his show was posted on the calendar and I just sat back and waited for the inevitable press and show madness to start because saying that Matthew Hemerlein is impressive, especially within the context of DC music is well, an understatement. So-naturally, it took a few months. Gallery opening performance announcements started trickling in, followed by little, special shows at Big Bear Cafe, Solly's and the like, plus his Sunday guitar lessons at the Wonderland (you just bring the instrument and he will teach you to play something) started gaining some notoriety, remixes got sent into the world and press did start taking notice.
And while there have been excuses you could have made not to see him up until now, all of those fall into water this weekend as Matthew releases his first (extra) full length: 26+ tracks, on which (3 tracks aside) played all the instruments(violin, mandolin, cello, guitar, upright bass, piano, whistling, voice, drum programming) and throws a party at SOVA tomorrow night to celebrate.
Here is a sampling of genre hopping, great sense of humor and more:
1) "Bodies, Sex and Evidence"
This tune was written on Violin and arranged for Upright Bass in the studio. I like to imagine the vocal harmonies are little ghosts chasing the protagonist's during the escape.
2) "Whatever the reason"
this was the second song written for comedian Seaton Smith's web series "Annoy Charlie Smith". I basically just imagined Seaton walking down a city street and what music would be appropriate for that moment.
3)"Hypocritic Lullaby"
I wrote this while driving.
4) Hopes and Wishes
You don't have multiple personalities too?
5)"Clay"
The guitar solo was particularly fun to record.
Want more:
Go Here:http://www.mmmmmusic.com/, follow him on twitter here and come to SOVA tomorrow (Friday, the 20th) for his record release party
God loves a cheerful giver.
SO TALENTED
Matthew and I were in the same high school graduating class. Glad to see he's doing well! Gyllenhaal Sandwhich is awesome.
I have no idea why the Usher song didn't make it on to this album.
dear Matt... will you please be my guitar teacher? seriously. sign me up.
So when/where can we hear this Usher song Matthew?!?
I loved you first. And I will love you last. We will die together. And I don't know how to sound creepier than that!
My Main man is......................Matt Hemerlein
His talents, and especially his voice, make me immediately think of Arthur Russell. Also don't sleep on his string work that he laid down on Nacey's La Roux remix!
But maybe he should quit this genre-hopping. Or maybe quit this altogether. Or maybe play the first violin in a symphony orchestra instead. It's hard to know for sure on his account. He def should stop singing though, i think.
great stuff, good luck in DC!
Thanks for the love! The Usher tune will def be played friday night. Of course I`ll teach you guitar Dakota:)
DAMN! THIS IS REALLY GOOD.
I REALLY LIKE THE LOPPING IN "CLAY"
Rubbish.
This man has more talent than Groucho Marx, Gloria Estefan and Grandmaster Flash combined.
So happy to see Matt getting some love. I saw him last at IOTA over the summer and he's amazing! I had "Gyllenhaal Sandwhich" stuck in my head for a week.
we're so lucky that we can say we knew you when.... wouldn't be anywhere else on Friday night!
ernest is just jealous...matt your voice and your playing skills are authentic ... fuck what you heard
x
p
hmmm, where have i seen/heard this before?
i have worked with matt and he has helped me better my sound and i know he is going to be the best.
love ya matt